JP3589547B2 - Copying system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for managing a copy count when outputting from a plurality of connected copying apparatuses.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a technique of rapidly outputting a large amount of data by connecting a plurality of copying machines and transmitting and receiving image data and performing copy output or print output by two or more image forming apparatuses has been conventionally used. . For example, in the invention described in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-1674782, an image processing system that can shorten the image reading time and the printing processing time even when copying a plurality of sheets and can shorten the entire processing time is disclosed. Have been.
By the way, a charge for copying and printing (service maintenance charge) is generally collected according to the number of copies or printing. As described above, when a document image is shared and output by two or more machines, the machine that has read the document needs to perform a scanner operation for reading, and is generally charged for copying.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the other device that outputs only the image receives and outputs the image data, and therefore uses only the function as a printer. In this case as well, it is necessary to charge for printing.
In addition, there is an apparatus that can arbitrarily select a machine that reads and copies a document (master machine / master machine) and a machine that receives and prints out image data (slave machine / slave machine). That is, a system is used in which the machine can be a master machine at one time and a slave machine at another time. In the case of such a system, it is one copy process from the viewpoint of the user, but from the viewpoint of machine billing, one machine was used as a copy or the same copy job but used as a printer function If you do not distinguish between them, you will not be able to correctly charge the machine.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to use a single machine as a copy or to use as a print output of image data from a connected external copy device when performing a copy with a connected copy machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide a copying system which enables distinction and counting and makes it possible to correctly charge one machine.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a copying system including a plurality of copying machines having an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus, setting means for setting the plurality of copying machines as a master copying machine and a slave copying machine; When an image is output by a copying machine set as a master copying machine by means, first counting means for counting and storing the number of sheets output each time paper feeding or paper discharging is performed; The above object is achieved by providing a second counting means for counting and storing the number of sheets output each time a sheet is fed or discharged when an image is output by a copying machine set in the copying machine .
[0005]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the copying system according to the first aspect, totaling means for summing the number counted by the first counting means and the number counted by the second counting means, Display means for displaying the number counted by the first counting means, the number counted by the second counting means, and the number counted by the summing means. To achieve.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
Figure 1 is a side view shows an image forming apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation unit. A document bundle placed on a document table 2 in an automatic document feeder (hereinafter ADF) 1 with the image side of the document facing up is pressed when a start key 34 on the operation unit 30 (see FIG. 2) is pressed. The document is fed from the lowermost document to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 by the feeding roller 3 and the feeding belt 4. It has a counting function for counting up the number of originals upon completion of feeding one original.
The fed document is read by the reading unit 50 to read the image data of the document on the contact glass 6, and the read document is discharged by the feed belt 4 and the discharge roller 5.
[0008]
Further, when the document set detection 7 detects that the next document is present on the document table 2, the document is fed onto the contact glass 6 in the same manner as the previous document. The feed roller 3, the feed belt 4, and the discharge roller 5 are driven by a transport motor 26.
The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first sheet feeding device 11, the second sheet feeding device 12, and the third sheet feeding device 13, respectively, and are vertically conveyed. The sheet is transported by the unit 14 to a position where it contacts the photoconductor 15. The image data read by the reading unit 50 is written on the photoconductor 15 by the laser from the writing unit 57, and passes through the developing unit 27 to form a toner image.
Then, the toner image on the photoconductor 15 is transferred while the transfer paper is conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 15. Thereafter, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 17, and the image is discharged to the discharge tray 19 by the discharge unit 18.
[0009]
When images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the transfer paper fed and imaged from each of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 is conveyed to the double-sided paper conveyance path 113 without being guided to the discharge tray 19 side. The switch is reversed by the reversing unit 112 and sent to the double-sided conveyance unit 111. The sheet sent to the two-sided conveyance unit is sent to the vertical conveyance unit 14 again, and after the image is printed on the back surface, the sheet is discharged.
When the transfer sheet is inverted and discharged, the sheet switched back by the reversing unit 112 is not sent to the duplex unit, but is sent to the inverted sheet discharge conveyance path 114 and discharged.
[0010]
The photoconductor 15, the transport belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharging unit 18, and the developing unit 27 are driven by a main motor 25, and each of the paper feeding devices 11, 12, and 13 drives the main motor 25 by a paper feeding clutch 22 to 24. The vertical transport unit 14 is driven to transmit the drive of a main motor 25 (see FIG. 4) by an intermediate clutch 21.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 30 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31, a numeric keypad 32, a clear / stop key 33, a print key 34, and a mode clear key 35. The liquid crystal touch panel 31 has a function key 37, the number of copies, A message indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is displayed.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation unit 30.
When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the key indicating the selected function is inverted to black.
When the details of the function need to be specified (for example, in the case of scaling, a scaling value or the like), by touching a key, a setting screen for a detailed function is displayed. As described above, since the liquid crystal touch panel uses the dot display, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display at that time.
[0012]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control device centering on the main controller.
The main controller 20 controls the entire image forming apparatus. The main controller 20 includes an operation unit 30 for performing display to an operator, input of function setting from the operator, control of a scanner, control of writing a document image in an image memory, control of image formation from an image memory, and the like. A distributed control device such as a unit (IPU) 49 and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 1 is connected.
Further, a connection I / F (interface) 48 for connecting to a plurality of image forming apparatuses and transmitting and receiving configuration and function information of the apparatuses and information on operation control is connected to the main controller 20.
[0013]
The main controller 20 obtains information on the image forming apparatus connected via the connection I / F 48 and controls the connection operation by setting the operation, or receives a request from another connected image forming apparatus. Acquire and control the operation of own machine.
Each decentralized control device and the main controller 20 exchange machine status and operation commands as needed. Further, a main motor 25 and various clutches 21 to 24 required for paper conveyance and the like are also connected.
[0014]
FIG. 8 shows an example of a display unit for setting whether to transmit / receive information to / from a connected image forming apparatus. When the operator touches the “connect” key described in FIG. 8, the setting of the connecting operation using the plurality of connected image forming apparatuses is selected, and the own device becomes the master device of the connecting operation. An operation request is made to an image forming apparatus (slave apparatus) other than the own apparatus connected by setting.
Further, there is a “count confirmation” key, and by touching this key, a “copy counter confirmation” display shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. On this counter confirmation screen, the number of copies made as the master machine, the number of copies made as the slave machine, and the total number of copies are displayed. By touching the “return” key in this display, it is possible to return to the display screen of FIG. 8 again.
[0015]
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, a process from reading of a document by the image forming apparatus to writing of an image will be described.
The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which a document is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like. I have. The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown).
When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically operated at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electric signal, and processed.
[0016]
The writing unit 57 includes a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. Inside the laser output unit 58, a polygon mirror (polygon mirror) that rotates at high speed at a high speed by a laser diode as a laser light source and a motor. ) Is provided.
The laser light output from the writing unit 57 is applied to the photoconductor 15 of the image forming system. Although not shown, a beam sensor that generates a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position near one end of the photoconductor 15 where the laser beam is irradiated.
[0017]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration inside the image processing unit (IPU) 49.
First, the reflection of light emitted from the exposure lamp 51 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 54 and is converted into a digital signal by an A / D (analog / digital) converter 61. The image signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to MTF correction, γ correction and the like in the image processing unit 63 after being subjected to shading correction 62. The image signal that has passed through the scaling process 72 is enlarged or reduced in accordance with the scaling factor, and flows to the selector 64. In the selector 64, the destination of the image signal is switched to the writing γ correction unit 71 or the image memory controller 65. The image signal that has passed through the writing γ correction unit 71 has its writing γ corrected according to the image forming conditions, and is sent to the writing unit 57.
[0018]
The image memory controller 65 and the selector 64 are configured so that image signals can be input and output in both directions. Further, a CPU (central processing unit) 68 for setting the image memory controller 65 and the like and controlling the reading unit 50 and the writing unit 57, a ROM (read only memory) 69 for storing the program and data, a RAM (Random access memory) 70.
Further, the CPU 68 can write and read data in the image memory 66 via the memory controller 65.
[0019]
The connection I / F 48 is connected to a data bus of the memory controller 65 for transmitting and receiving image information, and is configured to be able to input and output data. The image information is transferred via the image memory 66 according to the data transfer speed between the image forming apparatuses. That is, at the time of image output, after image data is stored in the image memory 66 from the memory controller 65, data is sequentially read from the image memory 66 in accordance with the data transfer speed between the image forming apparatuses, and the data is transferred to the connection I / F 48. .
After the time of image input storing the image data transferred from the connected I / F 48 to the image memory 66, performs the processing of image data from the image memory 66 within the apparatus via the memory controller 65. With the configuration described above, the connection operation can be realized without being restricted by the function of the image forming apparatus.
[0020]
The original image sent to the image memory controller 65 is sent to the image memory 66 after the image data is compressed by an image compression device in the image memory controller 65.
The reason for compressing the image is that it is possible to write the data of 256 gradations corresponding to the maximum image size into the image memory 66 as it is, but the image memory 66 is used very much for one document image. By performing image compression, the limited image memory 66 can be used effectively. Also, since a large number of document image data can be stored at one time, the stored document image data can be output in page order as a sorting function. In this case, when the image is output, the data is output while sequentially expanding the data in the image memory 66 by the expansion device in the memory controller 65. Such a function is generally called “electronic sorting”.
[0021]
Also, by utilizing the function of the image memory 66, it is possible to sequentially read a plurality of document images into an area obtained by dividing the area of one transfer sheet of the image memory 66. For example, four original images are sequentially written into four equal areas of one transfer paper in the image memory, so that the four originals are combined into one transfer paper image to obtain an integrated copy output. It becomes possible. Such a function is generally called “aggregated copy”.
[0022]
The image in the image memory 66 is configured to be accessible from the CPU 68. Therefore, the contents of the image memory 66 can be processed, and for example, image thinning processing, image cutout processing, and the like can be performed. For processing, the image memory 66 can be processed by writing data to the register of the memory controller 65. The processed image is held in the image memory 66 again.
Further, the configuration is such that the content of the image memory 66 can be read by the CPU 68 and transferred as image data 73 to the operation unit 30 via the I / O port 67.
[0023]
Generally, since the screen display resolution of the operation unit 30 is low, the original image in the image memory 66 is thinned out and sent to the operation unit 30.
As the image memory 66, a hard disk may be used to store a large amount of image data. By using a hard disk, there is also a feature that an external power supply is unnecessary and an image can be held permanently.
In order to read and hold a plurality of fixed originals (format originals) with a scanner, the hard disk is generally used.
[0024]
Here, an image signal for one page in the selector 64 will be described with reference to FIG.
/ FGATE indicates the effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction. / LSYNC is a main scanning synchronization signal for each line, and the image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after this signal rises. A signal indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is valid is / LGATE. These signals are synchronized with the pixel clock VCLK, and data of 8 bits per pixel (256 gradations) is sent for one cycle of VCLK.
In this embodiment, the writing density on the transfer paper is 400 dpi, and the maximum number of pixels is 4800 pixels in the main scanning and 6800 pixels in the sub-scanning. FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the image formed on the transfer paper and the signals / FGATE and / LGATE. It is also assumed that the closer the image data is to 255, the whiter the image becomes.
[0025]
FIG. 7 describes details of the main controller 20. The component configuration is based on a general CPU.
The main controller 20 includes a CPU 81, a ROM 81 storing a program, a RAM 82 used as a temporary memory, an I / O port 83 for driving a clutch and a solenoid, and a non-volatile memory for storing counter values and the like. And an NV-RAM 84. The CPU 80 transmits and receives data to and from the IPU 49 and instructs the timing of image formation and the timing of memory transfer.
These components are controlled by a data bus and an address bus of the CPU 80.
[0026]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described based on a flowchart.
FIG. 10 shows a main flow of the present apparatus.
First, when the power is turned on, an initialization process is first performed (step 10). The main contents of the initialization include resetting various flags, clearing various counters, clearing the image memory, resetting the image forming mode (magnification, division, etc.).
After the initialization is completed, the flow waits for a key input or an event (any change factor) from the image forming engine (step 11). When the user performs any key operation, the operation unit 30 notifies the key input event. Similarly, any change in the image forming engine, for example, when a document is set on the ADF 1, a change in the signal of the document set detection 7 is notified as an engine event.
[0027]
When an event of either the key or the engine occurs (Step 11; Y), it is determined whether the generated event is a key input or an engine (Step 12). In the case of the engine, the engine event process (step 13) is called, and in the case of the key input, the key input event process (step 14) is called, and the event waits in step 11 again.
[0028]
FIG. 11 shows the key input event process (step 14) of FIG. 10 in detail.
First, a key press event of the print start key is checked (step 20). If it is the print start key (step 21; Y), the copy processing of step 28 is executed.
Next, if it is not a print start key (step 21; N), it is checked whether or not a ten-key input has been made (step 22). If the key event is a numeric key, the numeric key processing of step 29 is performed.
[0029]
If there is no input from the numeric keypad (Step 22; N), a press event of the clear stop key is checked (Step 23). If the event is a clear stop key event (step 23; Y), the clear stop process of step 30 is executed.
If the event is not the clear stop key event (step 23; N), the print setting key pressing event is checked (step 24). When the print function setting key is pressed (step 24; Y), a print setting process is executed (step 31).
[0030]
If the print function setting key is not pressed (step 24; N), a double-sided setting key event is determined (step 25). When the double-sided function is selected or released from the selected state (Step 25: Y), a double-sided setting process is executed (Step 32).
Next, unless the duplex setting key is pressed (step 25; N), a linked copy key event is determined (step 26). When the key is touched (Step 26; Y), a linked copy setting process is executed (Step 33).
[0031]
When the key is touched while the link copy key is not selected, the link copy function is set, the connected copy machine is searched, and it is determined whether the partner machine can be used as a slave machine. A warning is displayed on the operation unit, and the linked copy function is canceled. If it can be used as a slave machine, the self machine becomes the master machine, and control is started with the connected copier as the slave machine.
In step 27, it is determined whether or not a key event other than steps 21 to 26 has occurred. If there is a key event, other key processing of step 34 is executed. Then, when each key event process is executed, the process ends.
[0032]
The above processing procedure is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the linked copy function is currently selected (step 40). When the linked copy function is not selected (key display is in a white state) (step 40; N), it is determined whether or not there is a connected copying machine (step 41). As a specific method, before the flow is processed, when the power of the copier is turned on, a connection confirmation signal or a connection confirmation command is exchanged to confirm the existence of each other, and the existence of the partner machine is confirmed. Or a method of checking the connection confirmation signal at the time this flow is processed to determine whether or not the connection is established.
[0033]
If there is a connected copying machine (step 41; Y), it is determined whether or not the slave machine is usable (step 42). If the slave device is currently in use or is in an abnormal state, it cannot be used as a slave device (step 42; N). When it is in a state where it can be used as a slave machine (Step 42; Y), a slave request is sent to a usable slave machine (Step 43). By sending this request, a relationship between the master unit and the slave unit occurs.
Then, the status of the function set in the master machine is notified to the slave machine (step 44), and processing for eliminating inconsistency in the setting function between the machines is performed.
Finally, the link copy function is set (step 45), and the link key on the operation unit 30 is selected (displayed in black).
[0034]
On the other hand, if the copier is not connected (step 41; N), or if the copier is connected but cannot be used as a slave machine (step 42; N), a warning display is output on the operation unit 30 (step 41; N). Step 47): Set the linked copy setting release state (make the key white). (Step 48).
If the linked copy function has already been set (step 40; Y ), the slave device cancels the slave request to the connected partner device and disconnects the master device and the slave device from each other. Perform (Step 46).
[0035]
Next, the procedure of the copy count process in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
First, it is determined whether or not the linked copy mode is set (step 51). If the linked copy mode is set (step 51; Y), it is determined whether the counting method is the sheet feeding count or the sheet discharging count (step 52). Here, the sheet feed count is a method of charging when the transfer of the copy transfer sheet is started, and the sheet discharge count is a method of counting when the copy is discharged. The paper feed count has the advantage of being able to charge reliably, but has the disadvantage that if a paper jam occurs on the way, the paper is also charged for the paper jam. In addition, the discharge count can reliably charge for the copied and discharged paper, but by turning off the power supply before complete discharge, it is possible to obtain a transfer sheet without being charged as a nearly complete copy. There is also.
[0036]
If the counting method is specified as the discharge count, the process waits for a transfer paper discharge event (step 53). The paper discharge event is an event created from the ON / OFF state of the paper discharge sensor and the like of the copying machine.
On the other hand, if the paper feed count has been set, the process waits for a paper feed event (step 61). Sheet feeding event is an event produced in synchronization with the ON event such as a clutch for driving a paper feed roller provided on the paper feed stage.
If the paper discharge event is confirmed in step 53 and the paper feed event is confirmed in step 61, it is determined whether the current machine setting is the master machine or the slave machine (step 54). If it is the master device (step 54; Y), the master count is read from the NV-RAM 84 in FIG. 7, and the count value is incremented by 1 and returned to the NV-RAM 84 (step 55). On the other hand, if the current state is the slave unit (step 54; N), the slave count is similarly read out, and +1 is returned to the NV-RAM 84 again (step 56).
[0037]
On the other hand, when it is not in the linked copy mode (step 51; N), it is checked whether the sheet feeding count or the sheet discharging count is the same as step 52 (FIG. 14, step 57). In accordance with each count mode, a paper discharge event wait (step 58) and a paper feed event wait are performed (step 59). When an event occurs, the master count is incremented by one (step 60).
In this way, depending on whether the own device is a master device or a slave device, the number of copies is counted separately, such as a copy count in the master device and a copy count in the slave device.
[0038]
To be more specific, an example is described in which a transfer sheet copied by a copy operation with a scanner operation is charged at 10 yen per sheet, and a transfer sheet copied as a printer operation without a scanner operation is 8 yen. If the count value shown in FIG.
58936 × 10 yen = 589,360 yen 36936 × 8 yen = 295,488 yen, for a total of 884,848 yen.
In the past, since only the number of copies was charged, the only option was to charge 958,720 yen, which is obtained by multiplying 95872 sheets by 10 yen. However, according to the present embodiment, the correct charging according to the use of the machine is performed. Processing can now be done.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system which can arbitrarily select a machine for reading and copying a document (master machine / master machine) and a machine for receiving and printing image data (slave machine / slave machine), Even in a system that can be a master machine at one time and a slave machine at another time, when copying is performed, whether one machine was used as a copy or an external copy device connected The first counter and the second counter can distinguish and count whether the image data has been used as a print output of the image data from the printer, and the billing for one machine can be correctly performed.
[0040]
According to the second aspect of the invention, the number of copies made as the master machine, the number of copies made as the slave machine, and the total number of copies can be displayed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing an image forming apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of display on a liquid crystal touch panel of an operation unit.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control device centering on a main controller.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration inside an image processing unit (IPU).
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image signal for one page in a selector.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of a main controller.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit for setting whether to transmit and receive information to and from a connected image forming apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state where a copy counter confirmation is displayed on a display unit.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing of the present apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a key input event process.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a linked copy setting process.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a copy counting process.
14 is a continuation of FIG. 13 and is a flowchart showing a procedure of a copy counting process.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
2 Document table 3 Feed roller 4 Feed belt 6 Contact glass 7 Document detection 15 Photoconductor 17 Fixing unit 20 Main controller 25 Main motor 30 Operation unit 48 Connection I / F
49 IPU (Image Processing Unit)
Reference Signs List 50 reading unit 54 CCD image sensor 57 writing unit 61 A / D converter 64 selector 65 memory controller 66 image memory 68 CPU
69 ROM
70 RAM
83 I / O port 84 NV-RAM

Claims (2)

In a copying system including a plurality of copying machines having an image reading device and an image forming device,
Setting means for setting the plurality of copying machines as a master copying machine and a slave copying machine;
A first counting unit that counts and stores the number of sheets output each time a sheet is fed or ejected when an image is output by a copying machine set as a master copying machine by the setting unit;
A second counting unit that counts and stores the number of sheets output each time a sheet is fed or discharged when an image is output by a copying machine set as a slave copying machine by the setting unit. Characterized copying system. Totaling means for summing the number counted by the first counting means and the number counted by the second counting means;
  Display means for displaying the number counted by the first counting means, the number counted by the second counting means, and the number counted by the summing means. The copying system according to claim 1.

Images